Chihuly at Fairchildby Michelle Johnson STAFF WRITER
As the craziness of finals week fades into a distant memory, kick the summer off right with a relaxing visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami. The tranquil setting is now home to the glass art exhibition Chihuly at Fairchild.
World-renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly brings his artwork to Fairchild for a second time, and he seamlessly combines his artwork with the naturally beautiful landscape of the gardens, making each piece appear to belong in the setting.
Some of the pieces, including the Green Reeds located in the Windows to the Tropics Conservatory, blend so well into the surroundings they are sometimes unseen by visitors. Most of Chihuly’s pieces, however, are so brightly-colored and intricately designed they’re rarely overlooked. Fairchild provides a garden landscape, allowing for Chihuly to showcase the interaction between nature and art.
Fairchild, open daily from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., allows visitors plenty of time to soak in the hundreds of species of plants in the gardens and Chihuly’s installation pieces. But for a totally different experience, Fairchild welcomes visitors each Thursday night at 6 p.m. to see Chihuly’s work illuminated. The dramatic display of intensified colors is accompanied by live entertainment, making for a most enjoyable evening under the stars.
Chihuly has said, “I want my work to look like it just happened, as if it were made by nature.” With the various garden settings at Fairchild, Chihuly’s wish is realized.
In addition to hosting Chihuly’s artwork for an unprecedented second time, Fairchild boasts the world’s largest collection of palm trees and a wide assortment of rare plant species, including endangered varieties of hibiscus and cycad plants. The staff at Fairchild is intimately involved in the conservation of indigenous plant life, working with organizations overseas in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, in an effort to prevent many of these species from perishing forever. More information regarding Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156 in Miami) including information about Chihuly at Fairchild, check out www.fairchildgarden.org here .
Muse-Sickby Anthony A. Choman STAFF WRITER
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Tori Amos: Big Wheel
Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=m_w26adnrAk”
